Newtown Junction Mall hosts MAQamovie finals

The Ster-Kinekor theatre complex hosted the MAQamovie finals last weekend at the packed Newtown Junction Mall.

Each finalist showcased their acting skills and brought their best to the stage in front of a live audience.

Celebrity judges Shona Ferguson, Sdumo Mtshali, Nomzamo Mbatha and Darrell Roodt had a tough time selecting the five amateur actors who are scheduled to appear in a new South African movie to be produced by Phoenix Films.

The winners, Noxolo Simayi from North West; Sivenathi Mabuya from Gauteng; Papiso Keogatile from North West; Oleboueng Mosiwe from Gauteng and Mbalenhle Zakhe from Gauteng were also each awarded R10,000 in cash together with a year’s supply of MAQ products.

The acting was of such a high standard that CEO and Founder of Bliss Brands, Shoaib Iqbal, announced that each of the other ten Finalists would receive R5,000 in cash. Iqbal was extremely impressed and commented that “there is some amazing talent in the country”.

“The MAQamovie Finals was a star-studded evening graced by some of South Africa’s top celebrities. The auditions from the finalists were outstanding and the judges had a difficult time deciding on the winners! The talent was amazing!” says Jacqueline Jacobs, Sales and Marketing Director of MAQ Washing Powder.

The finalists were chosen from 50 individuals who showcased their talent at the MAQamovie semi-finals event that took place on the 26th March at Bassline in Newtown. “The fifteen finalists were all exceptionally talented and the five who were chosen for the roles really stood out for the judges. At MAQ we believe in making a difference to people’s lives and with MAQamovie we have given five unknown actors the opportunity of a lifetime,” continues Jacobs.

The new movie will be produced by Phoenix Films, the creators of Mr Bones, Mad Buddies and District 9, and directed by Darrell Roodt of Sarafina fame.